Iowa is so full of great attractions that it’s easy to just fall into doing the same thing year after year – but not in 2023! There are so many great hidden gems in Iowa that it can be hard to know where to start. Why not discover a new one every month of the year? These twelve day trips are perfectly designed to give you a year of adventure – from restaurants that perfectly fit the season, to natural wonders when the weather is nice, to holiday adventures that will end the year with a bang. There is no better way to celebrate 2023 than with these 12 magnificent hidden gems awaiting you throughout the state.
January - Donna Reed Performing Arts Center (Denison)
Jfadds/TripAdvisor Donna Reed, one of Iowa’s most famous residents, had her birthday in January. What better way to celebrate than by visiting the museum and opera house bearing her name? It’s a great way to start a year of exploring hidden gems in Iowa. Donna Reed Road, Donna Reed Rd, Denison, IA, USA
February - Chez Grace (Coralville)
Chez Grace/Facebook Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and this french bistro in Coralville is often called the most romantic restaurant in all of Iowa. You’ll dine on fine cuisine in a peaceful, intimate environment. Chez Grace - Nouveau French Cuisine, 424 6th Ave # 101, Coralville, IA 52241, USA
March - Jameson’s Public House (Waterloo)
General Bob/TripAdvisor When St. Patrick’s Day rolls around, everyone is feeling Irish! This old-school pub not only has great decor and beer, it has top-quality Corned Beef and Cabbage as well. Jameson’s Public House, 310 E 4th St, Waterloo, IA 50703, USA
April - Cedar Valley Fish Market (Waterloo)
Cedar Valley Fish Market/Facebook If you’re one of the many Iowans observing Lent, this fish market and fried-fish stand is a Godsend. If not, the crispy-fried fish is still a delicious treat! Cedar Valley Fish Market, 218 Division St, Waterloo, IA 50703, USA
May - Berry Patch Farm (Nevada)
Berry Patch Farm/Facebook May is when Strawberry season starts, and there is no better way to celebrate than by visiting a pick-your-own farm for the pick of the season’s crop.
June - St. Donatus
Gehlen House Inn and Barn/Facebook The “Little Luxembourg” of Iowa only has just over a hundred full-time residents, but its architecture and delicious Kalmes Restaurant are well worth a visit - especially on June 23rd, Luxembourg Independence Day. Saint Donatus, St Donatus, IA, USA
July - Valle Drive-In (Newton)
Travel Iowa There is no better way to see a movie in the summer than at a drive-in, and this old-school institution plays both classics and modern films in the open air. Valle Drive In, 4074 Hwy F48 W, Newton, IA 50208, USA
August - Briggs Woods Lake (Webster City)
Travel Iowa As the end of summer rolls around, a peaceful lakeside retreat is just the ticket. Not only will this beautiful lakeside be crowd-free, but the nearby Legacy Learning Boone River Valley Center teaches intriguing craft classes. Briggs Woods Lake, Iowa 50561, USA
September - Yellow River State Forest (Harpers Ferry)
Travel Iowa September is fall foliage time, and this massive state forest is full of colorful trees. With countless trails to explore, it’s a great way to experience nature without the crowds. Yellow River State Forest, 729 State Forest Rd, Harpers Ferry, IA 52146, USA
October - Linn’s Haunted House (Des Moines)
Allen Huffman/Google Local Built into one of the last family-owned supermarkets in Des Moines, this old-school haunted house will scare guests of all ages silly without being as extreme as some of the bigger haunted houses. Linn’s Haunted House, 3805 6th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50313, USA
November - Ox Yoke Inn (Amana Colonies)
Ox Yoke Inn/Facebook Where to get the best Thanksgiving dinner in Iowa? Head to Amana, where this popular family-style restaurant dishes out the state’s best turkey dinner - and it’s all-you-can-eat! Ox Yoke Inn, 4420 220th Trail, Amana, IA 52203, USA
December - Waverly Lights (Waverly)
Waverly Lights/Facebook Far away from the massive holiday lights events, this charming suburban light display is put on entirely by volunteers and is free to see. All you have to do is walk down the street to discover what Waverly has created this year. Waverly Lights, 103 Eliasen Ave, Waverly, IA 50677, USA
Which of these hidden gems in Iowa have you visited? Let us know about your 2023 travel plans in the comments section! If you’re looking for a place to stay during your travels, make sure to check out our listing of the best escapes in Iowa for 2023.
Jfadds/TripAdvisor
Donna Reed, one of Iowa’s most famous residents, had her birthday in January. What better way to celebrate than by visiting the museum and opera house bearing her name? It’s a great way to start a year of exploring hidden gems in Iowa.
Donna Reed Road, Donna Reed Rd, Denison, IA, USA
Chez Grace/Facebook
Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and this french bistro in Coralville is often called the most romantic restaurant in all of Iowa. You’ll dine on fine cuisine in a peaceful, intimate environment.
Chez Grace - Nouveau French Cuisine, 424 6th Ave # 101, Coralville, IA 52241, USA
General Bob/TripAdvisor
When St. Patrick’s Day rolls around, everyone is feeling Irish! This old-school pub not only has great decor and beer, it has top-quality Corned Beef and Cabbage as well.
Jameson’s Public House, 310 E 4th St, Waterloo, IA 50703, USA
Cedar Valley Fish Market/Facebook
If you’re one of the many Iowans observing Lent, this fish market and fried-fish stand is a Godsend. If not, the crispy-fried fish is still a delicious treat!
Cedar Valley Fish Market, 218 Division St, Waterloo, IA 50703, USA
Berry Patch Farm/Facebook
May is when Strawberry season starts, and there is no better way to celebrate than by visiting a pick-your-own farm for the pick of the season’s crop.
Gehlen House Inn and Barn/Facebook
The “Little Luxembourg” of Iowa only has just over a hundred full-time residents, but its architecture and delicious Kalmes Restaurant are well worth a visit - especially on June 23rd, Luxembourg Independence Day.
Saint Donatus, St Donatus, IA, USA
Travel Iowa
There is no better way to see a movie in the summer than at a drive-in, and this old-school institution plays both classics and modern films in the open air.
Valle Drive In, 4074 Hwy F48 W, Newton, IA 50208, USA
As the end of summer rolls around, a peaceful lakeside retreat is just the ticket. Not only will this beautiful lakeside be crowd-free, but the nearby Legacy Learning Boone River Valley Center teaches intriguing craft classes.
Briggs Woods Lake, Iowa 50561, USA
September is fall foliage time, and this massive state forest is full of colorful trees. With countless trails to explore, it’s a great way to experience nature without the crowds.
Yellow River State Forest, 729 State Forest Rd, Harpers Ferry, IA 52146, USA
Allen Huffman/Google Local
Built into one of the last family-owned supermarkets in Des Moines, this old-school haunted house will scare guests of all ages silly without being as extreme as some of the bigger haunted houses.
Linn’s Haunted House, 3805 6th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50313, USA
Ox Yoke Inn/Facebook
Where to get the best Thanksgiving dinner in Iowa? Head to Amana, where this popular family-style restaurant dishes out the state’s best turkey dinner - and it’s all-you-can-eat!
Ox Yoke Inn, 4420 220th Trail, Amana, IA 52203, USA
Waverly Lights/Facebook
Far away from the massive holiday lights events, this charming suburban light display is put on entirely by volunteers and is free to see. All you have to do is walk down the street to discover what Waverly has created this year.
Waverly Lights, 103 Eliasen Ave, Waverly, IA 50677, USA
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
